Eager teen misses out on voters list

Juliene Casserly may be 18, but the upcoming general election is just out of her reach.

The Royal Flat resident admitted that she felt disappointed when she realised she cannot cast her ballot in the September 3 polls. Still, her spirits were high yesterday as she joined the energetic Nomination Day crowd to show her support for People's National Party candidate Donovan Mitchell in Central Manchester.

"I finally turned 18 last week, on the 12th of August, and mi did so eager because mi glad nominations and elections happen when mi a 18," she said with a bright smile. "Mi know mi can't vote yet because mi nuh have a national ID."

Casserly shared that the process was a learning experience as she thought she could use her passport to vote.

"Mi realise say there is more to it because although we learn it inna school, actually doing it is a different thing. Mi think say mi coulda use mi passport as ID once mi deh pon the voters list. But mi just a understand it now. My friend dem nuh really care but me a use my vote as soon as mi get mi ID," she insisted.

In Jamaica, persons who turn 18 must first be enumerated at the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) before they are added to the voters list. The process includes completing an application form, having fingerprints and a photograph taken, and then waiting for verification before being issued a national ID card. Without that card, no one can legally cast a ballot. For Casserly, her support of Mitchell is sure.

"My mother nuh really follow up politics but she got sick last year and a Mr Mitchell help we out," she said. "Him fix roads in the community too. But he's more like an inspiration with how him deal with the people them."

Central Manchester has faced several challenges including bad roads, water shortages and few job opportunities for young people. In the 2020 general election, Jamaica Labour Party candidate Rhoda Moy Crawford stunned Jamaica when she defeated People's National Party heavyweight Peter Bunting by 3,372 votes. Crawford is seeking a second term. But this time around Mitchell sees the scales tipping differently.

"I feel elated! The people will make their choice, 2020 was different with restrictions and so on. This time we are united and I believe the people of Central Manchester will choose me to serve them as their member of parliament," he said.

He added that Nomination Day carried double significance for his family, as his son celebrated his 18th birthday.

"My wife and one of my daughters is here. They came with me to the nomination to show their support as a family. My son is at home, but today is a good day for him too. I will see him sometime later or tomorrow and we will sit down as father and son and have a little one-to-one. Tomorrow or the next day I will take him to the EOJ office to be enumerated because he has to go on the voters list and that will be one more Mitchell for Manchester Central."

Mitchell pointed out that his son is part of the new generation of voters ready to shape the country's future.

"Integrity, representing the people and be the person. Jr wants to just concentrate on school for now and when that time comes, whatever he chooses to do, I know he will be good at it and he will always be representing me."